Design of a reliable pressure measurement method for paste backfill pipelines

Authors: Lee, C Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2355_20

Cite As:
Lee, C 2023, 'Design of a reliable pressure measurement method for paste backfill pipelines', in GW Wilson, NA Beier, DC Sego, AB Fourie & D Reid (eds), Paste 2023: Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on Paste, Thickened and Filtered Tailings, University of Alberta, Edmonton, and Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 271-278, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2355_20



Abstract:
A key component of underground distribution system (UDS) design for paste backfill is a pressure indicating transmitter (PIT), which allows the pressure at the instrument’s location to be measured and used to provide several useful diagnostic functions. These functions include the determination of friction losses and overpressures as well as the detection of pipe breakage or blockage and confirmation of flushing progress. Unfortunately, the usefulness of these PITs can be compromised due to the demanding nature of the application in which the cemented paste will fill up any dead leg in the instrument mounting branch of the pipe spool and prevent pipeline pressures from being accurately measured by the sensor. This requires mounting the PIT close to the pipe’s inside diameter, which can lead to sensor damage. PIT accuracy has been found to be unreliable due to these issues, and PITs frequently require cleaning or replacement. This paper discusses a planned PIT mounting spool design that uses a protective liner on the inside diameter of the pipe. The liner allows pressures to be transmitted to the PIT while avoiding the sensor head damage or dead leg build-up problems that currently make PIT usage unreliable.